Thursday, 14 February 2008

The Australian Poet Edward Dyson wrote some excellent poems during the First World War. After the war he contined writing, this poem from the 1920's is about the seriousness of Cricket. Apparently the 'Argus' newspaper at the time "reported cricket matches at far greater length and with a gravity it never quite attained in dealing with any other matter on earth!"

In politics there’s room for jest; With frequent gibes are speeches met,And measures which are of the best Are themes for caustic humor yet. E’en though the pulpiteer we fretWith sundry quiddities we fling, We pray you never to forgetThat cricket is a serious thing.

The crowd assembles at a Test, And Hobbs at length is fairly set,Though Gregory rocks ‘em in with zest; The barrackers may fume and fret When Parkin has contrived to getFive men of ours – we feel the sting, And give expression to regret,For cricket is a serious thing.

They have the lead; we would arrest A sort of rot. No epithetIs proper, though they’ve got our best For next to nothing, and your bet Is good as lost. Don’t sit and sweat;Due reverence to the problem bring. We have a pile of runs to net –Ah, cricket is a serious thing.

ENVOY.We have to meet a heavy debt, And Howell makes the leather swing;Australia’s pride is sore beset – Yea, cricket is a serious thing!